visit with Dr. Joeng

[Guest guest]

Hi, sorry I've been a reader lately rather than a post person but I want

everyone to know that

I still feel so fortunate to have found you guys! I had an appt with Dr. Joeng

and yes your

right Cam, he did his fellowship with Dr. Boachie. He told me that if he was in

my position,

he would've had surgery already. He also stated that he cannot guarantee that

the pain will

go away but that the surgery will prevent further problems. I guess being that

bent over

could cause neck problems (being that your neck is in a constant state of

hyperflexion), knee

problems, hip problems etc, etc! So now I have a decision to make. I guess this

is the hard

part--should I or shouldn't I..... From what I've read though, nobody seems to

have regretted

their decisions. Well I guess i'll sit on it for a bit--it's tough because my

husband is currently

in Iraq and won't be home for another year--my daughter is sixteen and I need to

take care

of her--I guess I'm making excuses so that I can put off the decision--I guess

I'm waiting

for my body or mind to let me know I'm ready to do it--is there a definitive

" it's time " ? Did

the pain become unbearable and you guys knew that surgery was the answer?

Anyway, if

anyone has any input, let me know.

[Guest guest]

Kerry, I didn't have a definitive "It's time", but I felt myself getting older and watched my dad dealing with the same problem but too old and infirm to do anything about it. I figured surgery would happen eventually, and I chose to have it while still in my 40s and mostly healthy. (I was actually 48.)

It's a very individual thing, choosing when. Some people are in intolerable pain and just want it done yesterday. I was not, so I took my time. I knew there would never be a perfect moment, so I prepared as best I could, then went for it.

I can't imagine having done it with my husband deployed overseas! (Not that he ever was.) If you have the necessary support network and feel you really need it done now, I'm sure you can get through it. But it meant a lot to me to have my husband there as much as possible (even though my MIL and sister were much more helpful in a hospital setting.)

I also want to say that I hope and pray your husband comes home safely when his work in Iraq is done. Best of luck with your decision.

Sharon

[ ] visit with Dr. Joeng

Hi, sorry I've been a reader lately rather than a post person but I want everyone to know that I still feel so fortunate to have found you guys! I had an appt with Dr. Joeng and yes your right Cam, he did his fellowship with Dr. Boachie. He told me that if he was in my position, he would've had surgery already. He also stated that he cannot guarantee that the pain will go away but that the surgery will prevent further problems. I guess being that bent over could cause neck problems (being that your neck is in a constant state of hyperflexion), knee problems, hip problems etc, etc! So now I have a decision to make. I guess this is the hard part--should I or shouldn't I..... From what I've read though, nobody seems to have regretted their decisions. Well I guess i'll sit on it for a bit--it's tough because my husband is currently in Iraq and won't be home for another year--my daughter is sixteen and I need to take care of her--I guess I'm making excuses so that I can put off the decision--I guess I'm waiting for my body or mind to let me know I'm ready to do it--is there a definitive "it's time"? Did the pain become unbearable and you guys knew that surgery was the answer? Anyway, if anyone has any input, let me know.

[Guest guest]

Oops.

I may have chosen the word "deployed" in error, as I don't think you've told us whether your husband's work overseas is military or civilian.

Sharon

[ ] visit with Dr. Joeng

Hi, sorry I've been a reader lately rather than a post person but I want everyone to know that I still feel so fortunate to have found you guys! I had an appt with Dr. Joeng and yes your right Cam, he did his fellowship with Dr. Boachie. He told me that if he was in my position, he would've had surgery already. He also stated that he cannot guarantee that the pain will go away but that the surgery will prevent further problems. I guess being that bent over could cause neck problems (being that your neck is in a constant state of hyperflexion), knee problems, hip problems etc, etc! So now I have a decision to make. I guess this is the hard part--should I or shouldn't I..... From what I've read though, nobody seems to have regretted their decisions. Well I guess i'll sit on it for a bit--it's tough because my husband is currently in Iraq and won't be home for another year--my daughter is sixteen and I need to take care of her--I guess I'm making excuses so that I can put off the decision--I guess I'm waiting for my body or mind to let me know I'm ready to do it--is there a definitive "it's time"? Did the pain become unbearable and you guys knew that surgery was the answer? Anyway, if anyone has any input, let me know.

[Guest guest]

Hi Kerry,

Like sharon, I chose to have revision surgery while I was still

relatively young and healthy. I did not want to risk any other

complications as I got older. I didn't want to wait while more and

more muscles and nerves became unusable. I wanted to be able to do

somethings with my six year old, at the time. All I really needed was

a sign I think. I left the doctors office with my honey. We discussed

and debated. We stopped at the 99 for dinner and there was a woman

being helped into a wheelchair who had scoli (she confirmed this) so

severe that she was bent in half and only her neck was free and she

was craning to see what was going on. I knew then, that I was having

surgery and booked it a few days later. You will know when your time

is right. I think it is tough but once you look past the fear, you

will be able to make a sound decision for yourself. You didn't tell

us what Dr. Joeng had in mind for your revision? Hang in there.

>

> Hi, sorry I've been a reader lately rather than a post person but I

want everyone to know that

> I still feel so fortunate to have found you guys! I had an appt

with Dr. Joeng and yes your

> right Cam, he did his fellowship with Dr. Boachie. He told me that

if he was in my position,

> he would've had surgery already. He also stated that he cannot

guarantee that the pain will

> go away but that the surgery will prevent further problems. I guess

being that bent over

> could cause neck problems (being that your neck is in a constant

state of hyperflexion), knee

> problems, hip problems etc, etc! So now I have a decision to make.

I guess this is the hard

> part--should I or shouldn't I..... From what I've read though,

nobody seems to have regretted

> their decisions. Well I guess i'll sit on it for a bit--it's tough

because my husband is currently

> in Iraq and won't be home for another year--my daughter is sixteen

and I need to take care

> of her--I guess I'm making excuses so that I can put off the

decision--I guess I'm waiting

> for my body or mind to let me know I'm ready to do it--is there a

definitive " it's time " ? Did

> the pain become unbearable and you guys knew that surgery was the

answer? Anyway, if

> anyone has any input, let me know.

>

[Guest guest]

I guess what you really need to ask yourself is WHO will be able to

take care of YOU and be there for you when you have the surgery. Is

your 16 yr old capable of helping you afterward? Do you have other

family or friends nearby that can help out.

Those are the questions you really need answered.

Carol V.

>

> Hi, sorry I've been a reader lately rather than a post person but I

want everyone to know that

> I still feel so fortunate to have found you guys! I had an appt

with Dr. Joeng and yes your

> right Cam, he did his fellowship with Dr. Boachie. He told me that

if he was in my position,

> he would've had surgery already. He also stated that he cannot

guarantee that the pain will

> go away but that the surgery will prevent further problems. I guess

being that bent over

> could cause neck problems (being that your neck is in a constant

state of hyperflexion), knee

> problems, hip problems etc, etc! So now I have a decision to make.

I guess this is the hard

> part--should I or shouldn't I..... From what I've read though,

nobody seems to have regretted

> their decisions. Well I guess i'll sit on it for a bit--it's tough

because my husband is currently

> in Iraq and won't be home for another year--my daughter is sixteen

and I need to take care

> of her--I guess I'm making excuses so that I can put off the

decision--I guess I'm waiting

> for my body or mind to let me know I'm ready to do it--is there a

definitive " it's time " ? Did

> the pain become unbearable and you guys knew that surgery was the

answer? Anyway, if

> anyone has any input, let me know.

>

[Guest guest]

Kerry,

I am glad you had a good visit...but I wanted to clarify....I think

you are you misspelling his name....I saw a Gerard Jeong who was on

fellowship with DrBoachie and is currently with the Tucson

Orthopaedic Institute. Same guy?

To me you sound like you are just not " ready " , and for whatever it's

worth...I think each of us has found that no one could really push

them to that state of mind. The more prepared and committed to

proceeding, the easier it will be to endure the hardships of the

recovery. There probably there is some relationship between pain,

function and quality of life that ultimately tips the scales...and

once it does....you are " there " ...but for each of us that balance is

so delicate that we can only say " yes, sign me up " when all those

stars in our own personal constellation align...if they ever do. At

the end of the day it will be you who has to sign the release for

surgery....so no matter that it might seem to others that you should

have surgery...its you, your body and life, and is your decison to

make.

Not having my hubby at home would weigh into my timing consideration

to be sure. In fact, my husband took 3 months FMLA unpaid time away

from work. I didn't need much nursing from him...but he sure did

everything else around the home and with our son (7 y.o.)that was

great. In retrospect I would have easily been able to send him back

to work once I was driving around 8 weeks...he could have done all

the housekeeping on his days off (LOL!)but it was easier to just stay

home due to the particular work situation he has as a pilot. Sure,

your daughter would be a big help...but you sound reluctant to need

that much support from her...and if your current function/pain state

permits you enough leeway to hold on for a later date, then I can

understand your wish to postpone.

Other things that seem to weigh in decision making, in no particular

order, the usual expected life changing events: new jobs, retirement,

relocations, childrens graduations or weddings, grandchildren, parent

health, insurance coverage and holiday or vacation plans. Also high

on the list of consideration are other preexisting health matters and

age. My surgeon told me that the timing of my surgery was entirely up

to me, he didn't see it as an emergency. I actually haven't ever

heard of a flatback patient finding themselves in that

position...although I suppose it is possible. It doesn't sound as if

DrJeong thought it was an emergency either.

If you accept that you are probably putting yourself into the " I will

probably have surgery " column you have a lot to do just to be ready

in a years time. You probably would want to seek a second opinion

just to settle your mind, and that would probably take a few months

to accomplish. (By the way, when I was checking the spelling of

DrJeongs name I saw DrKostuick listed as a Phoenix doctor. Am I right

that he is retired from s Hopkins or does he split his practice?)

Of course I am not sure he is the same guy...but the listing showed a

JHU web address. He might be worth a visit to get a second set of

eyes on you. I know others have had revision surgery with him...but

if my memory serves me his manner may not match up to DrJeong. Anyway

it's nice to have a choice and you will learn something from each

opinion you get.

Then you will have all kinds of other arrangements and exams to do,

maybe donating blood in the months prior, never mind perhaps help

your daughter choose colleges to apply to. A year would go very fast.

You might also be able to use that time while you are getting psyched

up to get yourself in the very best fitness condition possible.

Remember that top athletes heal faster and better because they are in

great physical condition when they injure themselves, thus their

bodies are primed to help them heal faster.

Just inch your way along toward a " maybe " and I think you will see

both the decision and the question of timing clarify itself.

As to regretting the decison, I don't think most people do...although

I do suspect there are people that regretted the decision to go ahead

with their surgeon or hospital for one reason or another. It would be

my advice to not enter into this decison quickly or without thorough

research...especially since you have all the time in the world!

Thats my $.02!

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

If the doctor called today and said he could operate today, I would beat him to the hospital. I'm mentally about as ready as anyone can get. I'm 65, but very healthy other than my back and neck. All the limitation I have with not being able to walk, stand or do any of the things I used to love doing is caused from my spine. The past month I had my family doctor test me for any possible autoimmune diseases to rule them out. He has ran a full arthritis panel, checked for Lupus, MS and other diseases I can't pronounce or remember and we did a bone scan. All test are good and the doctor said he can't believe how good my blood is. I even had a heart doctor check my heart since I had that mild heart attack last April and he cleared me for any heart diseases. He doesn't want to see me for another year. I had my colon scoped and three polyps removed last month. I went and saw that doctor this week and he said everything is fine and he doesn't want to see me again for another year. I had a eye exam and got new glasses and yesterday I went to Belltone to get my hearing checked. It is bad and but I already knew that, because I can't hear my grandchildren talk to me or hear women on the phone. I got to where I hate to answer the phone anymore, because I have to use a speaker phone and still put the handset to my ear and then end up apologizing for asking them to repeat, sometimes several times, so I can understand why they called. So I signed a contract to make monthly payment for my new hearing aids. Last night I called and asked my granddaughter to come over for a minute (she lives about 200 feet behind us) and I could hear every word she said without her having to talk slow and loud. Wow, it was wonderful!!! My hearing started to get bad in my 40's, from believe it or not, the Ear doctor pulled a broken canyon out of each ear that he said I probably pushed in when I was a young child. The canyons are probably what did the damage to my ears. A little side note here: When my son was 17 he was having ear aches and I took him in to a ear specialist and he pulled (not get ready for a good laugh (-: ), tiny pieces of paper folded several times over, into balls. They were love notes to his kindergarten girl friend. My son turned beet red when the doctor unfolded them and read them aloud. All you young mothers with young children should get their kids ear checked good by the 1st grade. The ear doctor said he has pulled toys, beads and bugs out of kids ears. Family or GP's never found anything in my ears or my sons ears.

Back to me. My family doctor called Dr. LaGrone yesterday and he wants me to send all my films, past and present and write him a letter of what my problems are, then he will make me an appointment. Hurray, hurray. They will be FedEx'ed today! I have got all my test results too, which should help him rule out any health problems.

Kerry, when the time is right for you, you will know it. If your uncomfortable for any reason, then don't. You don't need to justify it to anyone, nor will you, when you do decide, if ever. We each have our reason for going ahead. Mine is "Everyday that goes by, I can't get back and I don't want to waste even one day of my life". I want to play with my grandchildren, make love to my husband and wallpaper my front room walls. None of which I can do now. I do make mosaics to keep busy and love it, but I can't make that my reason for getting up in the mornings. For those interested in seeing my work I have a web site http://www.mosaics57.com . If and when I get fixed, then I want to do shows and galleries, which I can't do now, as it takes a lot to set up and meet the public.

Ok Sharon, are you getting to know me better now! I think I promised not to writes books, but you said "How are we going to get to know you". lol.

Thanks everyone for being here.

Pat E.

----- Original Message -----

From: kerrry.rich

Hi, sorry I've been a reader lately rather than a post person but I want everyone to know that I still feel so fortunate to have found you guys! I had an appt with Dr. Joeng and yes your right Cam, he did his fellowship with Dr. Boachie. He told me that if he was in my position, he would've had surgery already. He also stated that he cannot guarantee that the pain will go away but that the surgery will prevent further problems. I guess being that bent over could cause neck problems (being that your neck is in a constant state of hyperflexion), knee problems, hip problems etc, etc! So now I have a decision to make. I guess this is the hard part--should I or shouldn't I..... From what I've read though, nobody seems to have regretted their decisions. Well I guess i'll sit on it for a bit--it's tough because my husband is currently in Iraq and won't be home for another year--my daughter is sixteen and I need to take care of her--I guess I'm making excuses so that I can put off the decision--I guess I'm waiting for my body or mind to let me know I'm ready to do it--is there a definitive "it's time"? Did the pain become unbearable and you guys knew that surgery was the answer? Anyway, if anyone has any input, let me know.

[Guest guest]

Dear Kerry, You asked how you will know when the time is right to

have the Revision. Believe me you will know. When you can't stand

to be bent over another minute you will have the surgery. The

Revision was my 8th bk surgery & I have no regrets. In fact I Thank

God everyday I had the courage to go through with it. The Revision

has given me back my life.

Take Care,

Diane

>

> Hi, sorry I've been a reader lately rather than a post person but I

want everyone to know that

> I still feel so fortunate to have found you guys! I had an appt

with Dr. Joeng and yes your

> right Cam, he did his fellowship with Dr. Boachie. He told me that

if he was in my position,

> he would've had surgery already. He also stated that he cannot

guarantee that the pain will

> go away but that the surgery will prevent further problems. I guess

being that bent over

> could cause neck problems (being that your neck is in a constant

state of hyperflexion), knee

> problems, hip problems etc, etc! So now I have a decision to make.

I guess this is the hard

> part--should I or shouldn't I..... From what I've read though,

nobody seems to have regretted

> their decisions. Well I guess i'll sit on it for a bit--it's tough

because my husband is currently

> in Iraq and won't be home for another year--my daughter is sixteen

and I need to take care

> of her--I guess I'm making excuses so that I can put off the

decision--I guess I'm waiting

> for my body or mind to let me know I'm ready to do it--is there a

definitive " it's time " ? Did

> the pain become unbearable and you guys knew that surgery was the

answer? Anyway, if

> anyone has any input, let me know.

>

[Guest guest]

Pat - I love the mosaics/tiles, especially the kitchen countertop. Very beautiful. I'm getting close to remodeling my kitchen, and I like that idea!!! Kathy W.PatEly@... wrote: If the doctor called today and said he could operate today, I would beat him to the hospital. I'm mentally about as ready as anyone can get. I'm 65, but very healthy other than my back and neck. All the limitation I have with not being able to walk, stand or do any of the things I used to love doing is caused from

my spine. The past month I had my family doctor test me for any possible autoimmune diseases to rule them out. He has ran a full arthritis panel, checked for Lupus, MS and other diseases I can't pronounce or remember and we did a bone scan. All test are good and the doctor said he can't believe how good my blood is. I even had a heart doctor check my heart since I had that mild heart attack last April and he cleared me for any heart diseases. He doesn't want to see me for another year. I had my colon scoped and three polyps removed last month. I went and saw that doctor this week and he said everything is fine and he doesn't want to see me again for another year. I had a eye exam and got new glasses and yesterday I went to Belltone to get my hearing checked. It is bad and but I already knew that, because I can't hear my grandchildren talk to me or hear women on the phone. I got to where I hate to answer the phone

anymore, because I have to use a speaker phone and still put the handset to my ear and then end up apologizing for asking them to repeat, sometimes several times, so I can understand why they called. So I signed a contract to make monthly payment for my new hearing aids. Last night I called and asked my granddaughter to come over for a minute (she lives about 200 feet behind us) and I could hear every word she said without her having to talk slow and loud. Wow, it was wonderful!!! My hearing started to get bad in my 40's, from believe it or not, the Ear doctor pulled a broken canyon out of each ear that he said I probably pushed in when I was a young child. The canyons are probably what did the damage to my ears. A little side note here: When my son was 17 he was having ear aches and I took him in to a ear specialist and he pulled (not get ready for a good laugh (-: ), tiny pieces of paper folded several times over, into

balls. They were love notes to his kindergarten girl friend. My son turned beet red when the doctor unfolded them and read them aloud. All you young mothers with young children should get their kids ear checked good by the 1st grade. The ear doctor said he has pulled toys, beads and bugs out of kids ears. Family or GP's never found anything in my ears or my sons ears. Back to me. My family doctor called Dr. LaGrone yesterday and he wants me to send all my films, past and present and write him a letter of what my problems are, then he will make me an appointment. Hurray, hurray. They will be FedEx'ed today! I have got all my test results too, which should help him rule out any health problems. Kerry, when the time is right for you, you will know it. If your uncomfortable for any reason, then don't. You don't need to justify it to anyone,

nor will you, when you do decide, if ever. We each have our reason for going ahead. Mine is "Everyday that goes by, I can't get back and I don't want to waste even one day of my life". I want to play with my grandchildren, make love to my husband and wallpaper my front room walls. None of which I can do now. I do make mosaics to keep busy and love it, but I can't make that my reason for getting up in the mornings. For those interested in seeing my work I have a web site http://www.mosaics57.com . If and when I get fixed, then I want to do shows and galleries, which I can't do now, as it takes a lot to set up and meet the public. Ok Sharon, are you getting to know me better now! I think I promised not to writes books, but you said "How are we going to get to know you". lol. Thanks everyone for being

here. Pat E. ----- Original Message ----- From: kerrry.rich Hi, sorry I've been a reader lately rather than a post person but I want everyone to know that I still feel so fortunate to have found you guys! I had an appt with Dr. Joeng and yes your right Cam, he did his fellowship with Dr. Boachie. He told me that if he was in my position, he would've had surgery already. He also stated that he cannot guarantee that the pain will go away but that the surgery will prevent further problems. I guess being that bent over could cause neck

problems (being that your neck is in a constant state of hyperflexion), knee problems, hip problems etc, etc! So now I have a decision to make. I guess this is the hard part--should I or shouldn't I..... From what I've read though, nobody seems to have regretted their decisions. Well I guess i'll sit on it for a bit--it's tough because my husband is currently in Iraq and won't be home for another year--my daughter is sixteen and I need to take care of her--I guess I'm making excuses so that I can put off the decision--I guess I'm waiting for my body or mind to let me know I'm ready to do it--is there a definitive "it's time"? Did the pain become unbearable and you guys knew that surgery was the answer? Anyway, if anyone has any input, let me know.

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